Book Recommendations
As a therapist and a mom, I've had the opportunity to read countless children's books.
In addition to my own books *coming soon* I've also compiled a list of books I highly recommend.
Below you'll find links to my book recommendations and a little bit about why I love each book.
Click on the title for the link to the book.
No, Go, and Tell: I love this book because it teaches our kids about body safety and bodily autonomy. The classroom setting and simple language makes it easy for kids to understand while also covering many different components of body safety. We started reading this to P at age 2 and I've also read it with my therapy kiddos all the way up to age 10. I also happen to know the illustrator so that's pretty neat!
Antiracist Baby: A great way to introduce the concept of being antiracist to your little one. There are both hardcover and board book options, which I love because paper pages were not safe in our house when our toddler was younger.
The Night Before Preschool: We bought this for P to prepare her for her first day of school and she loved it. It validates the natural feelings of anxiety our kids have when starting school and inspires them to be brave. It follows the same flow of The Night Before Christmas so it brings in a sense of familiarity too.
Corduroy: A classic. I love how it portrays friendship by showing the how the right friends will love you for exactly who you are and support your growth.
Power to Choose Series:
This series is great as kiddos get a little older. I'd say depending on the kiddo, you can start reading this around age 4-5 and probably up through age 10 or so. They are choose your own adventure books where kids decide what the character should do in each scenario and then see what the outcome of the decision is. It's a great way to help teach problem solving skills!
Except When They Don't: We read this at home and I love it for my therapy sessions too. It's about breaking traditional gender roles and celebrating everyone for exactly who they are.
When Aidan Became A Brother: This is a beautiful story written by a trans man based on his experiences growing up. It uses easy to understand language for kiddos to learn about gender.
The Invisible String: I use this book a lot at home and in therapy sessions. It is helpful for separation anxiety and grief as it shares how we are all connected even if we are far apart.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?: Another classic! This one is great for young toddlers still learning their animals and colors. It has a great flow. Our 2 year old recites it to herself all the time!
Together: This is a wonderful way to introduce your little one to the concept of love. I discusses different kinds of love, is inclusive of many races and different levels of ability, and normalizes all different kinds of families.
Click here to see if there is availability in your area to get free books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!
I'm continuing to update this page so check back for more recommendations soon!
